AceShowbiz - Sebastian Stan has openly expressed his concerns about the current state of the United States, particularly in relation to the behavior of President Donald Trump. During a press conference for his new film Fjord on May 18, Stan, 43, described the nation as being in a “really, really bad place.”

In his remarks, Stan referenced multiple issues facing the country, including the consolidation of media outlets, censorship, persistent legal threats, and lawsuits that appear endless yet inconclusive. He related these challenges to the experience surrounding the release of the movie The Apprentice, in which he portrayed a young Donald Trump. The film chronicles Trump’s rise as a real estate businessman in New York City under the mentorship of Roy Cohn.

Despite having played Trump two years ago, Stan vividly recalled the obstacles encountered during the film’s release. Notably, just three days before the movie was scheduled to premiere at a festival, its screening was uncertain due to external pressures. According to Stan, the tumultuous circumstances surrounding the release of The Apprentice may cause the film to stand the test of time for viewers paying close attention.

The film, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, debuted at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival shortly after production wrapped. It tracks the early career of Donald Trump and his ascent in the business world. The biographical drama gained significant attention amid an atmosphere of controversy and public debate.

Throughout the promotional period, Stan witnessed firsthand the public reactions from Trump himself. In October 2024, the president took to his Truth Social platform to criticize the film, labeling it a “fake and classless movie” and questioning the legality of using the title The Apprentice without his approval. Trump described the movie as a “cheap, defamatory and politically disgusting hatchet job” timed to influence the 2024 Presidential Election and undermine the “Greatest Political Movement in the History of our Country,” referring to his campaign slogan “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Besides targeting the film, Trump has also publicly condemned late-night talk show hosts such as Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. While Trump called for Kimmel’s firing over controversial jokes, he also celebrated the cancellation of The Late Show, disparaging Colbert’s talent and ratings. This ongoing public conflict highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and various media figures.

Stan understands the impact of such criticism personally, having been singled out by Trump for his portrayal. Despite this, he has moved forward with his career and recently celebrated the premiere of Fjord, a dramatic film that received a 10-minute standing ovation. The movie tells the story of a Romanian immigrant family living in Norway who face a judicial investigation, shining a light on the complexities of immigration and justice.

Discussing the role of actors in society, Stan shared with Deadline that there is a “fine line” regarding an actor’s responsibility to reflect the world truthfully. He emphasized the importance of storytelling as a tool to represent the multifaceted issues people face, acknowledging that art can serve as a mirror to reality.

Throughout the media tour and interviews, Stan has maintained a professional stance, focusing on his craft rather than engaging in direct confrontation. Nevertheless, his experience with the Trump biopic remains a significant chapter in his career, demonstrating the challenges of portraying a highly controversial figure who actively opposes such representations.

The release and reception of The Apprentice also highlight broader discussions about political influence over media and entertainment. The legal and social hurdles the film encountered underscore ongoing debates about freedom of expression and censorship in the United States.

Looking ahead, Stan continues to pursue roles that challenge him and address important social themes. His recent work on Fjord illustrates a commitment to storytelling that explores human resilience and cultural identity, contrasting with the political drama of his portrayal of Trump.

In summary, Sebastian Stan has not shied away from commenting on the political climate shaped by Donald Trump and the difficulties surrounding the release of The Apprentice. His insights provide a rare perspective on the intersection of politics, media, and the arts in contemporary America.